Art Programs for People with Dementia

Memories in the Making® is an art program for people with dementia that was developed 25 years ago by two artists working with the Orange County (CA) Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The program is now offered by some 20 chapters of the Association nationwide.

In weekly, one hour art sessions, people with Alzheimer’s disease or related forms of dementia use watercolor paints to create personal works of art. An artist facilitator trained in the Memories in the Making® method conducts the sessions with the help of care staff and volunteers. Bypassing the need for planning, knowing or learning new skills, MIM allows people with memory loss the opportunity to express themselves and see the results of their efforts take form before their eyes.

Researchers believe that creativity is important to individuals’ sense of well being and that the parts of the brain involved in creative pursuits may remain relatively intact after other functions have diminished. For many with dementia, art becomes a means of telling stories, communicating emotions and recalling lost memories. Others enjoy the sensation of seeing the shapes, lines and colors flow from the brush. For most, it is an engaging and enjoyable activity when other avenues for creating, communicating and experiencing pleasure are lost.

The Alzheimer’s Association helps care staff bring Memories in the Making® to their communities by training them to be facilitators, supplying art materials and organizing opportunities to share the works of art. The painters in the program often create beautiful works of art that are included in exhibitions or reproduced as calendars and note cards, helping the Alzheimer’s Association promote awareness of the disease. More important than the finished product, however, is the process of finding a means of self-expression through art and enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from dementia.

For more information about Memories in the Making®, to host the program at your site or to volunteer to assist with the classes, contact Lisa Buck at 817.336.4949 or 800.272.3900.

Memories in the Making Training Workshops

The Alzheimer's Association periodically offers Memories in the Making Training Workshops for anyone interested in becoming a facilitator. Similar to the on-site training sessions offered to care communities hosting MIM, the two-hour workshop covers the history, philosophy and benefits of MiM, plus guidelines and tips for successfully conducting the art making sessions and a chance to try out the art materials. The training is a perfect way for volunteers and new staff at communities that already host MIM to learn how to make the program a success.

The special MIM facilitor training session includes four hours continuing education for activity professionals; Call Lisa Buck at 817-336-4949 or email lisa.buck@alz.org.

Lunch and refreshments donated by

Exhibitions

Exhibitions of paintings created by participants in MIM showcase the paintings created by participants of the Memories in the Making Exhibitions are free and open to the public.

Katherine, Autumn Leaves, 2013. Lakewood Village Senior Living Community. Katherine, who has a college degree in chemistry and taught high school math, says she was never an artist. She was a long time member of the Fort Worth Camera Club, always dressed well and liked to decorate.

Beyond Memory: Paintings by People with DementiaOpening Party and Auction Kick-OffThursday, January 16, 2014, 5 to 8 pmExhibition on view through January 25

Care communities currently participating in Memories in the Making® are:

Wisteria Place

Abilene

Autumn Leaves of Arlington

Arlington

Arden Courts

Arlington

Arlington Villa

Arlington

Autumn Leaves of Cityview

Fort Worth

James L. West Senior Adult Day Program

Fort Worth

Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Center

Fort Worth

Lakewood Village Healthcare Center

Fort Worth

The Stayton

Fort Worth

Trinity Terrace

Fort Worth

Quail Park Assisted Living

Granbury

Arbor House

Granbury

The Cove at Waterview

Granbury

Autumn Leaves of Grapevine

Grapevine

Autumn Leaves of Fossil Creek

Haltom City

Arbor House

Lewisville

Isle at Watercrest

Mansfield

Villagio

Plano

Clare Bridge Cottage

Richland Hills

Isle of Watermere

Southlake

Peach Tree Place

Weatherford

Arbor House

Weatherford

Martin Crest

Weatherford

Museum Programs for People with Dementia

Art Museums in the Fort Worth Cultural District offer special programs for people with dementia and there caregivers. Visit the museum websites for program descriptions and times or call for more information.

Amon Carter Museum

Sharing the Past through ArtDesigned for adults with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, during this program participants discuss artists, themes, and exhibitions and use artworks to connect to past experiences. 817.989.5030

Kimbell Art Museum

Viewpoints Individuals with Alzheimer's and their care partners are invited for interactive art experiences every month on selected Monday afternoons. 817-332-8451, ext. 351

Modern Art Museum

In the Moment at the ModernParticipants experience works on view through intimate conversation with docents and thoughtful projects designed by the Museum’s education staff. 817.840.2141.

For more information about Memories in the Making, contact Lisa Buck at 817-336-4949.